Tag Archives: Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride

Bike Pic 24, Miles-of-smiles Sunday in the rain

This Ironman bike rider proves that pedaling in the rain isn’t that bad – especially when she is guaranteed bragging rights at the end of the Minnesota Ironman 50th Anniversary Ride, today in Stillwater, MN.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic April 22, two days until the 50th Minnesota Ironman

A Minnesota tradition, join the fun Sunday, April 24th, for the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride in Stillwater MN – No swimming or running required. If you have not registered yet, day of registration is available. See  more about this Minnesota tradition on their Information page and take home bragging rights.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic April 18, a Minnesota bike tradition 6-days and counting

Here on their tandem bike John Morast, Kathy Johnson and fido are looking forward to the 50th Minnesota Ironman this Sunday. Start your summer bicycle season riding the Ironman with no swimming, no running required.  Just a fun bike ride with bragging rights guaranteed. If you haven’t signed up yet, plan now to be a part of this annual Minnesota bike tradition riding in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, near Stillwater.

See more friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic April 14, nine-days and counting for a fun MN tradition

Above riders at the 2015 Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride. Start your summer bicycle riding season riding the 50th Ironman – no swimming, no running required – Just a fun bike ride with bragging rights guaranteed. Plus, sign up here before 5 p.m. today and save.

See more friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Steeped in history the Ironman Bike Ride is a Minnesota tradition

With 49 years under its saddle and less then 12-days away from its 50th, April 24th, the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride will celebrate a half century of kicking-off the spring bike season. So we thought it would be fun to look back through the archives to see the progress this popular spring event has made as a Minnesota tradition.

A wave of Minnesota Ironman bike riders in the 60's heading north on the original century route.

A wave of Minnesota Ironman bike riders in the 60’s heading north on the original century route.

The Ironman Bike Ride in Minnesota began in 1967, the last Sunday in April, primarily as a fund raiser for the Minnesota Council of AYH (American Youth Hostels). At that time the AYH was very small. Thanks to the AYH president, at that time and rides founder, Stan Bezanson the ‘Ironman’ name came from: the time of year the event was to be held; the obvious lack of training after a long cold winter; and the possibility of inclement weather – which is sometimes true!

The Early Years

A group of Minnesota Ironman riders from the 60's gathering at a designated reststop.

A group of Minnesota Ironman riders from the 60’s gathering at a designated rest stop.

In the early years the ride started in a parking lot near Lake Calhoun, in Minneapolis. The route was a century loop that: first headed northwest to Maple Plain; then north to Hanover; then to St. Michael; northeast to Elk River;  then to Nowthen and up to St. Francis for a brief rest stop. Now the routes turned south heading back: through Anoka; then Crystal; then Robbinsdale; and back to Calhoun Beach. The cost was $2 per rider and the first year 27 cyclists registered and only seven finished the ride. It should be noted here that the temp that day was only 30 degrees with a strong northwest winds and high humidity. Also reported in the April 1981 Hosteler (AYH newsletter), those who finished were indeed “Ironman.”

Riders checking the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride map out.

Riders checking the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride map out.

In 1968, 142 riders started with 71 finishing. In 1971, 260 cyclist started with 160 finishing in less 10 hours. In 1972 registration numbers grew to 810 riders and over half finishing within 10 hours. In 1975, 120 rode on the original date due to being rained-out. Then the following week it was rerun with a 1,000 people riding that day because of the nice weather.

The move to Buffalo

Here at a Minnesota Ironman registration table, Penn Cycles truck is in the background offering assistance.

Here at a Minnesota Ironman registration table, Penn Cycles truck is in the background offering assistance.

By 1977, there had already been several changes with the growth of the event. Along with the century ride, a lower loop was established, SAG wagons were being provided and the cost of the ride went up to $4, and $5 for day of registration. Also, the route no longer included St. Michael or St. Francis, finishing under 10 hours was no longer required and cyclists left in groups at timed intervals.

A Minnesota Ironman rest stop location in the early years.

A Minnesota Ironman rest stop location in the early years.

As the popularity of the ride grew the new route started and ended in Buffalo, with a major rest stops in including Delano through the late 90’s.

The move to Lakeville

A pelaton of Minnesota Ironman riders from the early 70"s

A peloton of Minnesota Ironman bike riders from the early 70″s

In 1999 the Minnesota Ironman makes a major move to Lakeville. The Lakeville event offered cyclists several route options through the nearby cities of Jordan, LeSueur, Montgomery, Lonsdale, Northfield, Prior Lake and Burnsville.

A Minnesota Ironman volunteer tradition, always serving food and drinks at rest stops with a smile.

A Minnesota Ironman volunteer tradition, always serving food and drinks at rest stops with a smile.

Showing the 2003 Minnesota Ironman Jersey with route displayed.

Showing the 2003 Minnesota Ironman Jersey with route displayed.

The move to Stillwater

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride leaving from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride leaving from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

In 2013 Ironman Bike Ride moved from the south Twin City suburb of Lakeville, east to Stillwater its current location at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Now in 2016, as the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride celebrates its 50th anniversary, register today and be a part of Minnesota’s biking history.

Continuing the Minnesota Biking Tradition

A happy Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride participant from the early years. Where is she now, still riding we hope?

A happy Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride participant from the early years. Where is she now, still riding we hope?

We hope you enjoyed the recap of the first 49-years of the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride. If you have any details and picture we might have missed we would like to hear from you?

‘Just announced’ -Thanks  to Surly Beer, stop in after this years ride and tip a glass in celebration of your memories and what you would like to see happen in 2017.

About AYH, Hostelling International and the Minnesota Ironman

The Minnesota AYH trailer out supporting events around the state.

The Minnesota AYH trailer out supporting events around the state.

The Ironman has been managed by Hostelling International USA, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit charitable organization devoted to promoting healthy recreation, international travel and cultural exchange. The AYH Minnesota Council was established in 1955 by a core of cyclists and travelers. In 2012, all councils incorporated into the national organization, Hostelling International USA to become one single organization. You can find out more at their web site: www.hiusa.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bike Pic April 11, long range forecasts predicts sun for Ironman

Only 12-day away and recent weather models show a high probability of sun in the forecast for the 50th Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, on April 24th. Start your summer bicycle riding season with this anniversary event, no swimming, no running required – Just a fun bike ride with bragging rights guaranteed.

Save, on on-line ride registration closes April 13th. at 5 p.m.

This 2015 bike participants of the MN Ironman Bike ride is all smiles as she leave for an enjoyable ride in the St. Croix River Valley.

This 2015 bike participants of the MN Ironman is all smiles as she leave for her ride through the St. Croix River Valley.

See more friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic April 4, a Minnesota ride tradition 19-days and counting

Only 19-days until the 50th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, Sunday April 24, are you ready to claim your bragging rights?

In the photo here, riders from the 2015 ride are leaving from under the Red Bull banner as they leave from the Washington County Fairgrounds. If you have not registered yet there is still time at: http://ironmanbikeride.org/

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride leaving from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride leaving from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

See more friendly places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic March 30, bikers of all skill levels find MN Ironman fun

With 24-days remaining for the 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride it is always great to see bicyclists of all skill levels, fast or slow, join in on all of the fun regardless of the weather.

Remember there is a price increase on April 1st (no-fool’n), so if you haven’t already you may want to sign up now and save. Registration is easy. Register on-line or send us a mail-in form you can download from their website – Ride details are also posted there. All riders preregistered will receive a Ride-Day Newsletter and a rider number on or near April 15, plus a Penn Cycle/Park Tool bottle-opener. And remember, no matter how fast/slow you pedal or the distance you ride, Bragging Rights are Guaranteed!

See more events, places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices. 

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic March 28, only 26-days til the family fun MN Ironman ride

With 26-days remaining for the 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride it is always great to see members of the Major Taylor Bicycle Club and their friends, there for a day of fun.

Remember there is a price increase on April 1st (no-fool’n), so if you haven’t already you may want to sign up now and save. Registration is easy. Register on-line or send us a mail-in form you can download from their website – Ride details are also posted there. All riders preregistered will receive a Ride-Day Newsletter and a rider number on or near April 15, plus a Penn Cycle/Park Tool bottle-opener. And remember, no matter how fast/slow you pedal or the distance you ride, Bragging Rights are Guaranteed!

See more events, places to ride and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices. 

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

MN Ironman Bike Sunday offers a special lodging deal

Only 41-days until the 50th Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride and here is your chance to extend your time in the scenic St. Croix River Valley with a special lodging package. Discover Stillwater has just announced some special lodging opportunities for those participating in this years ride. While available, you can explore the area over the weekend and start your Sunday morning bike ride earlier and more relaxed. Stillwater’s historic district is a culinary escape with over 30 independently owned restaurants and pubs along with boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries, and vintage finds.

HFB_1199Make it a Ironman weekend by exploring Stillwater’s historic downtown district, the local breweries and the new Brown’s Creek Bike Trail, with a 20% discount at the lodging prooerties below, for April 23rd or 24th, 2016. To receive this discount, mention ‘Discover Stillwater Ironman Deal’ upon checkout. This special rate is only good at the following lodging properties while rooms are available and is not valid with any other offer:

Lexington Inn
Rivertown Inn
Excelsior Escape
Water Street Inn
Alesci on St. Croix

Discover Stillwater… the 1848 Birthplace of Minnesota is a place where paddle wheel riverboats and gondolas glide the waters. Historic Main Street shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment are yours inside this charming river town. Plus, you will find, year-round there are so many things to do in Stillwater, Minnesota!

HFB_1297Enjoy all four seasons in Stillwater: Spring flowers blooming in the parks and along the bike trail; Warm summer air welcoming outdoor art fairs, restaurant patios, festival events, boating, and historic sightseeing; The robust colors of the bluffs in the Fall and crisp flavors of winery and brewery harvests; and winter days showcasing holiday boutique shopping, romantic winter escapes or vintage/antique shop browsing. Yes, Welcome to beautiful Stillwater minutes from the Twin Cities Minneapolis and St. Paul and just over the Lift Bridge from Wisconsin. Their bed and breakfasts, historic inns and many Stillwater hotels await your visit – A place you’ll want to come back again and again, to the place where it all began.

Stillwater, Minnesota has been voted as: America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns; Best American Towns for Fall Colors; Best U.S. Towns for Antiquing; Best Twin Cities Day Trips; Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway; America’s Prettiest Painted Places, and the Most Romantic City.

HFB_1321Plan your perfect Midwest bike getaway, romantic escape, corporate retreat or vacation in beautiful Stillwater, Minnesota! Enjoy your time in one of America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns (USA Today Travel, 2015) and Minnesota’s Birthplace.

For more information on restaurants, things to do, events, and places to stay visit in the St Croix River Valley see: www.DiscoverStillwater.com

Not matter what style of a bike you ride or your riding ability, the 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is a great way to begin the 2016 summer riding season. Register by April 1st (no fool’n) and save!

Since its beginning in ’67 the Minnesota Ironman has been run by Hostelling International USA. A non-profit charitable organization devoted to promoting healthy recreation, international travel and cultural exchange. You can find out more about this organization at their web site: www.hiusa.org.